Kindergarteners Deserve a Play-Based, Stimulating Learning Environment
Help me give my students a culturally rich play-based, stimulating, learning environment where kindergartens can develop their love for learning through exploration and discovery.
$3,379 goal
This project expired on August 22, 2025.
This project expired on August 22, 2025.
My Project
In this modern day of standardized tests and scripted curriculums, public school kindergarten classrooms no longer prioritize play-based learning. Help me transform a public school kindergarten into a model environment to teach. There is little emphasis on creating an environment of self-discovery and exploration that fosters curiosity and creativity. Instead 5-year-olds are consistently being told what to do and when to do it when it comes to learning. After 16 years of teaching upper elementary and then 4 years in a K-5 coaching role, I am returning back to the classroom. I chose to teach kindergarten in our public school because I am saddened by the shift away from developmentally appropriate practices. I want to create a model classroom that prioritizes play, discovery and exploration. I want to create a space in which the environment is the "third teacher." I want students in my class to be able to explore, create, build, wonder, and genuinely love the learning process. I cannot do this alone. I cannot afford to create this space on my own with a teacher salary and no money in our school budget. Schools do not provide sensory tables that will allow them to explore and discovery. Schools will not buy a light table so students can explore learning in sensory ways. Schools will not provide an easel so students can creatively express themselves while learning about mixing and creating new colors. I want an environment that students wake up and cannot wait to get to school. I know I put a lot on this wish list and honestly there is so much more I need for my kindergartners. I was left with nothing but a shell of a classroom or a blank slate in my mind. Please help me create a model learning environment that will be used as a lab site for other public kindergarten teachers to learn from.
Wood Designs Sand and Water Table with Top/Shelf, 46 x 17 x 24 Inches
• School Specialty
$719.96
1
$719.96
Kaplan Early Learning Adjustable 4-Sided Easel for Kids - Multi-Sided Art Center with Removable Trays and Paint Cups, Height-Adjustable Panel for Creative Learning and Fine Motor Skill Development, Perfect for Classrooms and Art Centers
• Kaplan Early Learning Company
Kaplan Early Learning Toddler Dramatic Play Market
• Kaplan Early Learning Company
$251.96
1
$251.96
Xylolin Over-Sized Hollow Wooden Block Set for Kids, Natural 29 Piece Set of Large Wood Blocks, Toddler Building and Stacking Blocks, Wooden Toys Building Blocks for Kindergarten
• Amazon Business
$152.90
1
$152.90
Light Table Manipulative Center
• Lakeshore Learning Materials
$119.00
1
$119.00
Onshine Large Wooden Blocks for Toddlers 1-3, 64 Pieces Big Wood Building Blocks Set with Wooden Storage Box, Large Toddler Blocks Building and Stacking Toys Construction Set
• Amazon Business
$55.24
2
$110.48
AtMini Montessori Sand Tray with Lid - Wooden Sand Trays for Kids - Writing Letters and Numbers (Green)
• Amazon Business
$25.60
4
$102.40
Kaplan Early Learning Gel Writing Boards - Set of 12
• Kaplan Early Learning Company
$83.66
1
$83.66
Tiny Land Train Set 110pcs Wooden Train Set, Toy Train for Boys & Girls with Wooden Train Track, Wooden Toys for 3-7 Years Old Toddlers & Kids, Railway Set Christmas Toys for Kids
• Amazon Business
$59.99
1
$59.99
Sensory-N-Stuff - Wooden Tool Set for Sensory Bin (30 Piece), Child-Sized Montessori Sensory Toys for Developing Fine Motor Skills, Smooth Wooden Toys, Bin Scoops and Tools
• Amazon Business
$53.88
1
$53.88
LIVEBOX Soft Kids Rug 4'x6' Carpet Play Mat for Baby Boys Girls, City Life Road Traffic Playroom Rug for Playing Cars Toys, Educational Nursery Rug for Children Bedroom Kids Room
• Amazon Business
$52.99
1
$52.99
Light Table Math Trays - Complete Set
• Lakeshore Learning Materials
$39.99
1
$39.99
Materials cost
$2,564.47
Vendor shipping charges
$238.84
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$38.47
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$2,871.78
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$506.78
Total project goal
$3,378.56
Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Sobocinski and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
